Debbie Moon 
Methylene blue (Methylthioninium chloride) has been used in pharmacology for over a century. It is a fascinating compound that was first synthesized as a blue dye. In 1891, it was discovered that it could treat malaria. It is also used as a stain for microscope slides.[ref] Currently, methylene blue is an FDA-grandfathered drug. It is … Read More
Genetic studies, especially large genome-wide association studies, can be informative when looking at what is really important for healthspan. Essentially, these types of studies look to see which genetic variants are linked to outcomes — real-life people, real outcomes, and large data sets. A new study recently published in Nature Medicine estimated the effects of … Read More
From extending healthspan to improving vaccine efficacy in older adults, spermidine is a biogenic amine with many possible anti-aging benefits. I’ll dig into the research on the topic, explore the clinical trials, and explain why increasing spermidine can sometimes be a bad idea. This one ‘supplement’ is essential to go beyond the headlines and understand … Read More
The glymphatic system, which was identified in 2012, is the network that clears out waste products from the brain and central nervous system. Essentially, this system is the way that fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column moves out of the brain, carrying waste products with it. The glymphatic system is found in the areas … Read More
A recent study shows that low-dose lithium may act as a senolytic.[ref] This has important implications in healthy aging – including preventing mortality from respiratory diseases, such as COVID, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. First, let me go into a little background information on lithium and then cellular senescence. Next, I’ll explain the new study … Read More
New research on COVID-19 shows the important role of cellular senescence in the high mortality rates in the elderly. Elderly people are much more vulnerable to the flu, respiratory infections, and sepsis than middle-aged or younger adults. We all know that when grandma gets the flu in the nursing home, it is a serious matter. … Read More
A pre-print study posted in May 2021 shows positive results in a clinical trial with the goal of reversing early Alzheimer’s disease. This is big! An attitude of acceptance that Alzheimer’s is a non-reversible fate prevails in medical practices, and a positive clinical trial showing marked improvement in many participants is wonderful to see. The … Read More
Kind of like pornography, we all know aging when we see it. There is a specific point when suddenly someone looks old. Like they have crossed some invisible threshold, moving from healthy and older into the twilight area at the end of life. I’m not talking about gray hair or laugh lines that became more … Read More
Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key molecule produced in your cells. Recently, research studies have shown that it may play a key role in healthy aging, including increasing healthspan and lifespan. What is alpha-ketoglutarate? Alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) is a molecule that cells produce. It has several important functions in the body:[ref] It is involved in the Krebs cycle … Read More
A recent study on sleep and dementia points out (once again) that sleep is essential for good health in aging. The study found that decreased sleep, such as 6 hours or less per night, during your 50s and 60s increases the risk of dementia in your later decades by 30%. Quality sleep is foundational for … Read More